Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1887-02-02
The Aurkrille Gnqlairer.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1887.
THE INTERSTATE COMMERCE ACT.
YORKVILLE, s. e. ::


We print in another column a synopsis
of the Interstate commerce act recently
passed by both houses of Congress. 1t has
not yet received the signature of the Presi-
dent, but from the decided majority by
which it was passed, he will hardly give it
his official disapproval, whatever may be
his opinion of it's merits. What may be
the working of the law, should it become
operative, cannot be foretold, but the wis
dom of attempting to regulate the railroads
of the United States by Congressional legis-
lation, in manner to prove satisfactory or
advantageous to the people served by such
carriers, is extremely doubtful; and while
Congress may attempt to reduce rates by
enacling law for maintaining uniformi-
ty of charges, as we understand to be the
essence of this act, the very reverse of this
intention may be the result. The act has
able advocates, however, all over the coun-
try, and discussing its measures the Boston
Journal says:
To all intents and purposes the bill is prac-
tically law, and railroad managers should
lose no time in studying its provisions and
preparing to adjust their operations to them.
the bill may find leisure now to ascertain
what it does actually contain. We need
not say that we regard this measure as q
vindication of an important principle. 1t
establishes definite system of regulation
and responsibility for the railroads, and
will put an end to the abuses and injustices
which have hourished under no control.
1t is not ''confscation" of the railroads as
some over-excited and imperfectly inform
ed people have declared, and does not in
volve any dire catastrophe for the roads or
their customers. It is in the interest of
justice, stability and fair play and if wise
will promote the general good.
The Baltimore Sun says: Prominent
railroad men suggest convention OF rail-
road representatives to agree upon a rise of
100 per per cent. in through freight rates,
with the anticipated effect of creating a
panic and bringing about the repeal Of the
Interstate commerce act. Sucha advance
would pay the railroads very we'll until the
commission brought them to book for vlo-
lating the fundamental requirement of the
act, which is that the rates shall be reason
able and just" An advance of 100 per cent
in rates at one time by all the railroads
would look like pool or conspiracy, and
would have to be explained satisfactorily
by reference to details. There is a penalty
of $4,000 for each violation of the act. This
penalty, together with the terrors of an in
vestigation, will probably prevent any un-
necessary advance of rates. The better pol
icy for the railroads is to accept the act 10y
ally and try to carry it out in good faith.
They have long desired something to pro-
tect them from themselves, and they may
yet find the Interstate commerce act the
very thing they have wanted. 1t subjects
them to the restraints of law, and must tend
to substitute civilized methods for barba-
rous and predatory habits. There are some
roads probably that never had a solid basis
of business. But to roads that are really
needed, quiet, steady and honest ways, such
as the law requires, will in the end be ad-
mitted to be better. Stockholders will un-
doubtedly fare better when railroad officials
lose their autocratic powers and wildcat
adventures have an end.
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